Purpose

Senate Standing Committee on Investigations and Government OperationsChair: Senator Carl L. MarcellinoPublic Hearing: To examine the current laws and regulations on boating safety in New York State and whether changes are necessary to protect the public on our waters.Place: Town of Oyster Bay, Town Board Hearing Room, Town Hall East,54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, NY 11771Time: 11:00 A.M.Contact: Debbie Peck Kelleher (518) 455-2390 ORAL TESTIMONY BY INVITATION ONLY

Press Contact: Kathy Wilson (516) 922-1811

SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON INVESTIGATIONS

AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Oral Testimony by Invitation Only

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

11:00 am

Town of Oyster Bay

Town Board Hearing Room

Town Hall East

54 Audrey Avenue

Oyster Bay, NY 11771

SUBJECT: Boating Safety on New York waters

PURPOSE: To examine the current laws and regulations on boating safety in New York State and whether changes are necessary to protect the public on our waters.

Recreational boating has and continues to be an important part of New York State’s recreational landscape. In fact, New York State is a leader in the number of vessels registered with almost 480,000 registered boats and many other vessels that do not require registration. In an effort to keep its waters safe, New York State has been a pioneer in boating safety, holding one of the oldest boating education programs in the country, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2009. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, along with the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and United States Power Squadron provides boaters of New York State with approved boating education courses that are recognized in all fifty States and Canada.

Despite the emphasis on safety and boater education, tragic accidents continue to occur. The purpose of this hearing will be to review current state laws and regulations governing boating and possible changes to further preserve life and allow the waterways to be responsibly enjoyed by all.

Oral testimony will be accepted by invitation only and limited to 10 minutes in duration. 15 copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committee requests advance receipt of prepared statements. Written testimony will also be accepted and may be sent to the contact person listed on the reply form. In order to further publicize the hearing, please inform interested parties of theCommittee’s interest in receiving written testimony from all sources.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Legislature, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Legislative facilities and activities.